Sports Officiating Simulator

ABSTRACT

A method for simulating the experience of a sports official is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) displaying game content over a medium and (b) receiving a first input signal while the game content is being displayed which stops the content from being displayed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of simulating and relateddevices, especially methods that involve simulating the experience of asports official.

BACKGROUND

Every sport is governed by its own set of rules. During a sportingcontest, one or more persons called officials administer the game byenforcing rules. Every level of sport—little league, middle school, highschool, college, semi-pro, professional—require officials for the gamesto be played safely and properly. The officials who officiate ourbeloved games come from every segment of society and have variedknowledge, abilities, skills and experience.

During a game, regardless of the sport, it is not rare for a spectatorto wish an official(s) working a particular game was doing a better job;making less mistakes and administering the game in a more efficientmanner. The level of frustration experienced by a spectator isespecially high if the official(s) blows an important call and/orinfluences the outcome of the game. Sometimes an official(s) performs sopoorly that the spectators believe they can do a better job ofofficiating than the official(s) who are trained and get paid toofficiate.

The uneven, and sometimes outright poor, performance of an official(s)as observed by spectators can be at least partly attributed to the wayofficials learn their craft. The conventional way for an official tolearn his/her craft is through study of the appropriate rules along withtrial and error experience gained by officiating actual games. Becausethere are only so many games per season for an official to officiate,the learning curve for a new official is difficult and it takes a longtime for a new official to gain proficiency.

In light of the limited number of actual games played per season for anofficial in a particular sport to practice his/her technique and gainproficiency, there is clearly demand for a method of simulating theexperience of a sports official that will enable a person to gaincompetence officiating a particular sport by training under game-likesituations; seeing and then identifying penalties in real games. Thepresent invention provides such a method. The present invention providesa method for sports officials to increase their level of skill bysimulating the situations and conditions they encounter during actualgames. By increasing the competence level of sports officials, thepresent invention enhances the overall experience of the sports we love.The present invention also provides an entertaining and educationalexperience for non-officials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method whichenables officials and those who want to become officials to developand/or improve officiating skills without having to officiate an actualgame.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method forlearning the rules of a particular sport; such method is particularlyuseful for persons who have had no or limited exposure to a particularsport but desire to learn more about the particular sport and how it isplayed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart representing one, non-limiting embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “official” refers to a person who administers agame and enforces the rules during the game (i.e., a football game, abasketball game, a baseball game, a hockey game, a soccer game, a boxingmatch, a rugby match, etc.). Terms such as “referee”, “umpire”, “headlinesman”, etc. are considered to be synonymous with the term official.

As used herein, the term “penalty” refers to a violation of a particularrule in a given sport. Terms such as “infraction”, “foul”, etc. areconsidered to be synonymous with the term penalty.

As used herein, the term “personal computing device” refers to acomputer or other device having a processor and memory capable ofperforming the method of the invention. The term personal computingdevice encompasses various models made by manufactures such as Dellcomputer, Gateway computer, Apple, etc. and includes video game consolessuch as the X-Box from Microsoft, the Playstation from Sony, PSP fromSony, the Gameboy system from Nintendo, etc. Another example of asuitable personal computing device is a television set having a set topbox or TiVo.

As used herein, the term “displaying” encompasses video, graphics,and/or audio content. Video content can be displayed on a medium such asa television screen, a computer screen, etc. Audio content can bedisplayed over a medium such as one or more speakers. Audio content canbe displayed simultaneously with video content.

The present invention is a method for simulating the experience of asports official comprising (a) displaying game content over a medium;(b) receiving a first signal that pauses the display; (c) re-startingthe display of game content; and repeating steps (b) and (c).

According to the present invention, the method of the present inventioninvolves displaying game content over a medium. The medium can be avisual medium such as a screen (i.e., computer screen, televisionscreen, etc.); an audible medium such as loudspeakers; a combination ofvisual medium and an audible medium; etc. In a non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the game content is recorded from a previously playedsporting event. The game content can be from any sport including, butnot limited, to a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, ahockey game, a soccer game, a boxing match, a tennis match, etc. Thegame content can be from any level of sport including little league,high school, college, or professional.

It is envisioned that the game content will be provided by a sportsleague such as the National Basketball Association, National FootballAssociation, National Baseball League, National Hockey League, U.S.Soccer League or by a collegiate association such as the NationalAssociation of Intercollegiate Athletics.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sporting event fromwhich the game content originates has been filmed using various cameraangles. For example, game content from a football game has been filmedfrom a camera(s) in one or more endzones (i.e., endzone camera angle),from a camera(s) on one or more sidelines (i.e., sideline camera angle),from a camera(s) over the stadium (i.e., overhead camera angle), etc.Thus, in this embodiment, the camera angle of visually displayed gamecontent can be changed to give a person viewing the game content (aperson viewing the game content or using the invention is referred to asa “user” herein) a different vantage point. The visual display of gamecontent is not restricted to the view from any particular camera angle.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the camera angle of thevisually displayed game content can be changed while the method of theinvention is being practiced. For example, the camera angle of thevisually displayed content can be changed upon receiving a “camera angleshifting signal”.

The following scenario is included for illustrative purposes. If thepresent invention is being practiced and the game content being visuallydisplayed is from a sideline camera angle, a camera angle shiftingsignal can be received to change the camera angle of the visuallydisplayed content. For example, the game content being visuallydisplayed is from a side line camera angle, and a camera angle shiftingsignal is received to change the visual display of game content to anendzone camera angle.

When the game content originates from a sporting event that has beenplayed at some point in the past, the original content contains footageof and relating to the officials who worked the event. If the officialsat the original sporting event are visible and/or there is evidence oftheir participation present during the display of game content step ofthe present invention, the impact of the present invention might bereduced. Therefore, in a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, thegame content of the invention is edited before it is displayed in amanner such that the presence of officials at the original sportingcontest and any evidence of their administering rules at that sportingcontest which would negatively impact the practice of the presentinvention is deleted. In this embodiment, penalties committed during theactual game and related activities (i.e., throwing a flag, blowing awhistle, enforcement of a penalty, etc.) are edited out of the gamecontent and are not apparent/detectable when the game content isdisplayed.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the game content isedited in a manner that enhances the simulation of a sports officiatingexperience. For example, portions of the scene can be digitally enhancedto sharpen the video images or increase the scale of the video content(i.e., make players in the video content appear larger and make theirmovements more well defined).

According to the present invention, game content for display can bestored and/or accessed in a number of ways. In a non-limiting embodimentof the invention, game content is transmitted from a server or similardevice via the Internet or other to a personal computing device whichimplements the method of the invention. The server or similar device canbe at the same location as the personal computing device or a locationremote from the personal computing device. In this embodiment, gamecontent is transmitted from the server or other and received by thepersonal computing device using methods which are well known in the art.

There are many ways in the art to transmit and receive digital andanalog signals. An example of a suitable data transmission system forthe transmission and receipt of game content is the on-demand systemused by cable operators like Comcast. Another example of a suitablemethod is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,792 assigned to USA VideoInc. (Dallas, Tex.).

In the embodiment described above, the game content can be displayedimmediately upon receipt by the personal computing device or it can bestored in a conventional manner for future display.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, game content isstored on a personal computing device. For example, game content isstored on a hard drive or similar. The game content can originate from aserver, disc or any other device and then be transferred and stored onthe personal computing device.

A subscription payment model or a fee per download model can be used toauthorize access to a server or similar device and regulate thetransmission of game content from the server/device. Internet basedsubscription systems are such as those utilized by major league baseballto gain access to proprietary content are well known in the art.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, game content isstored on a digital video disc (DVD) or similar storage device. Apersonal computing device or other can be used to read the DVD anddisplay the game content.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the gamecontent is stored on a conventional digital video recorder (DVR) whichstore video content in digital form. A personal computing device orother can communicate with the DVR and display the game content. Anexample of a DVR system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,960 assignedto Forgent Networks, Inc. (Austin, Tex.).

According to the present invention, while the game content is beingdisplayed, a first input signal is received from a first input device.Upon receipt of the first input signal, the display of the game contentis stopped or paused. The first input signal is received and transmittedusing methods which are well known in the art. In the practice of thepresent invention, the first input signal is typically used to indicatea penalty has been observed.

The first input device can be a keyboard, joystick, or other similardevice as is well known in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the first input device is a whistle or other device capableof making sound.

In the practice of the invention, the various input and output devicesreferred to herein can be connected using various input/outputconnectors and ports which are well known in the art. The variousinput/output devices can communicate with the personal computing deviceby any suitable means such as, but not limited to, a wireless systemsuch as “Bluetooth”, cable, etc.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, after the first inputsignal is received, a second input signal is received. The second inputsignal is generated by a second input device. The second input signal isreceived and transmitted using methods which are well known in the art.

The second input device can be a keyboard, joystick, or other similardevice. The second input device can be the same device as the firstinput device or a different device.

In the practice of the invention, the second input signal is typicallyused to indicate a specific infraction that has been observed. The term“specific infraction” refers to information such as, but not limited to,the type of infraction committed, who (which player) committed theinfraction, etc. For example, in a football game, the type of infractioncan be holding, clipping, grabbing a facemask, roughing the passer,being offsides, etc. For example, in a basketball game, the type ofinfraction can be double dribble, a blocking foul, a charge, traveling,etc.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the second input deviceis sensor capable of detecting and interpreting movement. For example,the sensor can detect and interpret particular body movements. If aperson were to perform the body movement associated with a holdingpenalty in football, for example, the sensor would interpret themovement as such and send the appropriate signal to the personalcomputing device.

After the first input signal, and optionally, the second input signal isreceived, the display of the game content is resumed. Ideally, thedisplay of game content resumes at the next point in the game thatenables a smooth transition from where the first input signal wasreceived (i.e., a penalty was observed). The display of game contentcontinues until another first input signal is received or the timeperiod for the display of game content expires.

The time period for the display of game content is typically determinedbefore the game content is initially displayed. In a non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the time period is 5 minutes, 10 minutes,20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. The time period can be the entire length(i.e., from the start to the finish) of a game. There is no limitationon the time period for display of the game content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a score is calculatedafter the time period for display of the game content expires. The scorecan be based on an evaluation of the first input signals or the firstand the second input signals. Because the first and second input signalsrepresent the penalties called during the relevant time period by auser, that information can be evaluated against a control indicative ofthe actual penalties (i.e., the penalties determined to be present by anauthoritative person or body as opposed to those observed by the user)committed in the game content displayed over the relevant time period.The score can be indicative of a user's level of competence to officiatea particular sport.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the computed score isdisplayed on the screen and/or audibly conveyed.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a score is generatedbased on (a) a number of “correct calls”; (b) a number of “incorrectcalls”; and/or (c) a number of “improper calls” during a specified timeperiod. As used herein, a correct call is a penalty that was calledproperly. For a correct call, two conditions must be present: (1) apenalty did occur in the displayed game content when (approximately) afirst input signal was received and (2) the penalty was properlyidentified (a holding penalty was identified as a holding penalty; not afacemask penalty, for example). An incorrect call refers to thesituation where a penalty did not occur approximately when the firstinput signal was received.

The following illustrates a correct call, an incorrect call and animproper call. References to a penalty that actually occurred in thedisplayed content and the specifics of the penalty refer to the judgmentof the authoritative person or body mentioned above.

In this example, the displayed game content is from a football game andshows a holding penalty. A first input signal is received approximatelywhen the holding penalty occurs. Thus, the first condition for a correctcall is satisfied. A penalty did occur approximately when the firstinput signal was received.

Next, a second input signal is received that indicates the penaltyobserved was a holding penalty. Because the penalty was properlyidentified, both conditions for a correct call have been satisfied inthis instance. If the second input signal had not indicated that aholding penalty was observed, both requirements for a correct call wouldnot have been present.

If a penalty had not occurred in the displayed content approximatelywhen the first input signal was received, this situation would representan incorrect call. A penalty did not occur approximately when the firstinput signal was received.

As used herein, an improper call refers to the situation when the firstcondition (i.e., a penalty did occur approximately when the first inputsignal was received) for a correct call is satisfied, but the secondcondition (i.e., the proper identification of the infraction) is not.Had the second input signal been indicative of an illegal motion penaltyas opposed to a holding penalty, the call would have been an impropercall.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the displayed gamecontent can be rewound and redisplayed. The rewinding and redisplayingof the game content can be accomplished using means which are well knownin the art.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a database or similarcontaining the rules of a particular sport (referred to herein, as a“rules database”) can be accessed by the personal computing device, anda specific rule(s) searched and displayed over the medium. The rules canbe displayed in various formats such as words, multimedia frames, etc.Techniques for searching content in a database or similar are well knownin the art. An example of a suitable system for storing and searchinginformation is a server archive-based editing and research systemreferred to in the industry as the SABER system. The rules database canbe stored and/or accessed in a similar manner to the game content.

The rules database can contain various rules. In a non-limitingembodiment, the rules database contains the rules of the NationalFootball Association. In another embodiment, the rules database containsthe rules of the Virginia High School Football Athletic Association. Inyet another embodiment, the rules database contains the rules of theNational Basketball Association.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a database or similarcontaining mechanics (mechanics database) to communicate penalties canaccessed by the personal computing device, and a specific mechanic(s)can be searched and displayed over the medium. The mechanics can bedisplayed in various formats such as words, multimedia frames, etc. Forexample, the database or similar can contain video content illustratingthe proper mechanic for calls according to the National Football League.The mechanics database can be stored and/or accessed in a similar mannerto the game content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a database or similarcontaining educational modules can accessed by the personal computingdevice, and a specific educational module (s) can be searched anddisplayed over the medium. The educational modules can be displayed invarious formats such as words, multimedia frames, etc. The educationalmodule database can be stored and/or accessed in a similar manner to thegame content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, information aboutofficiating chapters can be accessed by the personal computing deviceand displayed over the medium. In this embodiment, the database orsimilar of sports officiating chapters for various sports across thenation and/or globe will be searchable. Based on user information suchas zip code or other, contact information can be displayed for a sportsofficiating chapter in the desired area. In this manner, persons who usethe present invention and demonstrate a proficiency to officiate aparticular sport can be directed to local sports officiatingorganization in his/her area.

In actual practice, the method of the present invention will beimplemented using a personal computing device. The method of theinvention will performed on a personal computer or similar using one ormore software programs or similar. The software program(s) can bewritten on a DVD or other programmable device as in known in the art sothat it can be read and actuated by a personal computing device orother. The practice of this invention is not limited to any particularcomputing platform such as a personal computer using a Windows operatingsystem, a Sony PSP, a Microsoft X Box, a Nintendo gameboy, etc. Thepresent invention can be practiced on any platform.

According to the present invention, the processing (transmitting,receiving, etc.) of the various input and output signals described aboveis accomplished using methods which are well known in the art.

The personal computing device utilized to practice the present inventioncan contain one or more video and/or graphic systems includingcomponents for receiving compressed and uncompressed graphics and videoand for processing the received graphics and video into displayableformat. The graphic display system can be any one capable of processingvideo input signals that may include analog video signals, digital videosignals, etc. The analog signals can be, for example, NTSC, PAL andSECAM signals or any other conventional type of analog signal. Thedigital signals can be decoded MPEG signals or other format of digitalvideo output.

Suitable methods for processing audio and video signals are well knownin the art. A suitable method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,728,312assigned to Forgent Networks, Inc. (Austin, Tex.).

We will now illustrate the practice of the invention when the gamecontent is from a football game. In the practice of the invention, gamecontent is displayed on at least one screen. The game content is from apreviously recorded football game, but the original football gamecontent has been edited in a manner such that there is no sign orindication of the officials who administered the actual game while thegame content is being displayed. At some point during the display of thegame content, a first input signal is received by the personal computingdevice. The game content is then paused or stopped.

The first input signal indicates a penalty has been observed. A secondinput signal is then received that indicates the specific infractionobserved. For example, the second input signal can indicate one of thefollowing infractions occurred: a holding penalty, a clip, an illegalprocedure, a facemask, etc.

After the second input signal is received, the display of game contentresumes at a place after which the first input signal was received whichenables a smooth transition. The display of game content continues untilanother first input signal is received or the time period for displayexpires. At the expiration of the time period, a score can be calculatedand displayed.

If another input signal is received before the time period for displayof the game content expires, the sequence described above from the firstinput signal is repeated.

We will now illustrate the practice of the invention when the gamecontent is from a basketball game. In the practice of the invention,game content is displayed. The game content is from a previouslyrecorded basketball game, but the original basketball game content hasbeen edited in a manner such that there is no sign or indication of theofficials who administered the actual game while the game content isbeing displayed. At some point during the display of the game content, afirst input signal is received. The game content is then paused orstopped.

The first input signal indicates a penalty has been observed. A secondinput signal is then received that indicates the specific infractionobserved. For example, the second input signal can indicate one of thefollowing infractions occurred: a double dribble, a traveling violation,a blocking foul, a charge, etc.

After the second input signal is received, the display of game contentresumes at a place after which the first input signal was received whichenables a smooth transition. The display of game content continues untilanother first input signal is received or the time period for displayexpires. At the expiration of the time period, a score can be calculatedand displayed.

If another first input signal is received before the time period expiresfor the displayed game content, the sequence described above from thefirst input signal is repeated.

The method of the present invention can be used as a simulator/trainingtool for sports officials at all levels and aspiring sports officials.The present invention also provides sports officials and aspiring sportsofficials an opportunity to test their knowledge and administration ofthe rules of a particular sport. The method of the invention can also beused to educate someone who is not knowledgeable about a particularsport to the rules of that sport and possibly develop a lifelong fan.

It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made to the invention without departing from theconcepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Such modifications areto be considered as included within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail hereinaboveare illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A method for simulating the experience of a sports officialcomprising (a) displaying game content over a medium; and (b) receivinga first input signal while the game content is being displayed whichstops the game content from being displayed.
 2. The method according toclaim 1 further comprising repeating steps (a) and (b) until a timeperiod expires.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the gamecontent is recorded content from a previously played sporting contest.4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the game content is from afootball game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a hockey game, or asoccer game.
 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the displaying,receiving and repeating steps are accomplished using a personalcomputing device.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the firstinput signal is transmitted from a first input device.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1 further comprising (c) receiving a second inputsignal after the first input signal is received.
 8. The method accordingto claim 7 further comprising repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) until atime period expires.
 9. The method according to claim 7 wherein thesecond input signal is transmitted from a second input device.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the game content is displayed at acertain viewing angle that can be changed while the content is beingdisplayed.
 11. The method according to claim 3 wherein the displayedgame content is edited in a manner such that the presence of anyofficials at the actual game has been deleted.
 12. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the displayed game content is transmitted from aserver or similar device via the internet or other to a personalcomputing device.
 13. The method according to claim 1 further comprisingcalculating a score.
 14. The method according to claim 1 furthercomprising searching for and displaying a rule(s).
 15. The methodaccording to claim 1 further comprising searching for and displaying amechanic.
 16. The method according to claim 1 further comprisingsearching for and displaying an educational module.
 17. A method forsimulating the experience of a sports official comprising (a) displayinggame content over a medium; (b) receiving a first input signal while thegame content is being displayed which stops the game content from beingdisplayed; (c) receiving a second input signal after the first inputsignal is received, wherein the game content is recorded content from apreviously played sporting contest and steps (a), (b) and (c) arerepeated until a time period expires.